Antipsoriatic effect of fumaric acid derivatives

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 30; no. 6; pp. 977 - 981
• Main Authors: Altmeyer, Peter J., Mattlies, Ulrich, Pawlak, Frank, Hoffmann, Klaus, Frosch, Peter J., Ruppert, Peter, Wassilew, Sawko W., Horn, Thomas, Kreysel, Hans W., Lutz, Gerhard, Barth, Joachim, Rietzschel, Ilona, Joshi, Rajendra K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mosby, Inc 01.06.1994
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(94)70121-0

Background : Psoriasis vulgaris may benefit from treatment with fumaric acid and/or its derivatives; however, because different preparations have been used, results have been contradictory and difficult to interpret. Objective : The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the therapeutic value of fumaric acid derivatives. Methods : A randomized double-blind study was carried out in patients with psoriasis, comparing a well-characterized formulation of fumaric acid derivatives with placebo. Results : The results indicated statistically significant superiority of the fumaric acid derivatives over placebo. Adverse events (flush, gastrointestinal disturbances) were initially relatively frequent, but decreased thereafter. Conclusion : Fumaric acid derivatives were found to be effective and safe in the treatment of psoriasis.